I love the community here at Bethel. We are a 500-member support group. I am going to miss that more than anything.Elizabeth Shelly ’12

Baccalaureate & Commencement

Baccalaureate

Bethel College 2018 graduation ceremonies take place Sunday, May 20, on the Bethel College Campus.

The Baccalaureate ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with musical selections by seniors. Services will take place at Bethel College Mennonite Church. For Baccalaureate, graduates do not need to wear their graduation robes, and they are welcome to sit with their families.

Commencement Lunch

Following baccalaureate, graduates, family members, and guests are invited to a commencement lunch from 12–1:30 pm in Schultz Student Center. The meal will be prepared by our executive chef, Luci Johnson, and food service director, Nolan Corne, with Aladdin Food Service. Advance reservations and payments are required. Graduate’s meal complimentary.

Class Photo

All senior graduates report to the Administration Building steps in cap and gown at 2:45 p.m. for a class photo. After the photo, seniors proceed to the Luyken Fine Arts Center to assemble and prepare for the commencement procession. All senior graduates required to attend. In case of inclement weather, the photo will be taken in Krehbiel Auditorium

Commencement

The formal commencement ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. at Thresher Stadium. Both the baccalaureate service and the commencement ceremony are open to the public. In case of inclement weather, commencement will take place in Memorial Hall located on campus. Commencement guests are welcome to park in the Thresher Stadium parking lot. The gates to the stadium will open at 3 p.m. for general seating.

Commencement rehearsal for graduates will take place on Saturday, May 19 from 10–11 a.m. at Thresher Stadium. More details will be sent from the Registrar’s Office through campus mail at a later date.

Dr. Jon Gering, faculty, graduates, and designated others will begin the Commencement ceremony with the traditional Walk Around The Green. Commencement guests are invited directly to Thresher Stadium for the ceremony.

Graduation robes, caps and tassels can be ordered and paid for through the Thresher Shop. Graduation announcements can be ordered through CB Announcement online or by calling 800-433-0296. Order forms are also available in the Thresher Shop.

Baccalaureate and Commencement will be recorded. DVDs can be ordered through the Thresher Shop or by downloading an order form. The DVD can be picked up at the Thresher Shop, or for an additional fee, it will be mailed to the address provided, approximately 4 weeks after graduation. Video of both ceremonies will also be posted on the Bethel website for viewing.

Outdoor luncheon for senior graduates and families hosted by President Gering and Deborah Gering on the lawn of Goerz House. Graduate’s meal covered by President’s Office. Advance reservation and payments required. Attendance is optional.

Commencement, Thresher Stadium.In case of inclement weather, commencement will take place in Memorial Hall. Also in case of inclement weather, relocation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. and notification placed on the website.